356 STUDIES OF NATURE. 



much farther to the South, ripen more ilovvlf;, 

 from their fituation on the tops of mountains. 



Thefe progreffions are to be found in the mi- 

 nuteft of the works of Nature, and of which they 

 conftitute the principal charm. They are not the 

 efFedt of any mechanical Law. They have been 

 apportioned to each vegetable, for the purpofe of 

 prolonging the enjoyment of it's fruit, conform- 

 ably to the wants of Man. Thus the aqueous and 

 cooling fruits, fuch as thofe of a ruddy hue, ap- 

 pear only during the feafon of heat ; others, which 

 were neceflary in the Winter time, from their nu- 

 trimental flours, and their oils, as chefnuts and 

 walnuts, are capable of being preferved a confider- 

 able part of the year. But thofe which are de- 

 figned to fupply the accidental demands of Man- 

 kind, thofe of travellers and navigators, for in- 

 ilance, remain on the earth at all times. Not 

 only are thefe lad inclofed in (hells, adapted to 

 their prefervation, but they appear upon the tree, 

 at all feafons, and in every degree of maturity. 

 In^tropical countries, on the uninhabited (hores 

 of the iflands*, the cocoa-tree bears, at once, 

 twelve or fifteen clufters of cocoa-nuts, fome of 

 which are ilill in the bud ; others are in flower ; 

 others are knit ; others are already full of milk ; 



* See Fra?ids Pyrard\ Voyage to the Maldivias. 



and. 



